Friday, January 22, 2016

DIY Washi Tape Frame + Free Prints from Shutterfly

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Shutterfly. All opinions are my own and honest!

Sometimes in the middle of a dreary season - like winter, where it's actually dreary outside or even just a season of dreariness of mind or heart - you need something new and lovely to brighten your spirits. It's amazing how something like a pop of color can change your whole perspective!

I used Shutterfly to print this baby photo of my daughter. At first, I put it in a plain purple photo frame that I had painted for her first birthday party. It was cute...but just not cute enough for prime placement on display. I decided to whip up a new solution: the DIY Washi Tape Frame and I love how it turned out. The best part is, it took me about thirty minutes from start to finish and was made mostly with stuff I already had in my house.

DIY Washi Tape FrameSupplies Needed

-Photo Frame with Mat. Mine is from IKEA several years ago - not sure if they still carry this line, but it's a basic square frame with an included mat. If you can't find something similar, you could always do a plain square frame and cut the mat yourself.
-Washi Tape. No limit on how many you can use! I chose five coordinating rolls.
-Flower or some other accent. I had this in my flower stash (it's from Hobby Lobby), but you could make one or use some other decoration or skip it altogether! Did I mention this craft is easy?!
-Adhesive to attach the flower, should you decide to use it.

Instructions: 1. Remove mat from frame.

2. Experiment with washi tape design. The great thing about washi tape is that it works like masking tape - you can peel it back up over and over again to get the placement right. I started from the top and worked my way down, but I think next time I do this, I will start the project in the middle of the frame so the pattern is symmetrical from top to bottom.

3. Tape, tape, tape, and then tape some more. It's therapeutic! I promise!

When you're finished, you could add a layer of glossy Mod Podge over the top if you wanted, but I didn't find that necessary since it was going to be behind glass.

4. Add photo and put frame back together!

5. Attach accent on the outside of the frame.

And that is it! I'm in love with it.

Did you know that Shutterfly has an app (which is so much fun) and that right now you can get FREE unlimited 4x6 and 4x4 prints? How cool is that? FREE PHOTOS. You guys, I'm so bad about getting photos of my kids printed and in albums or up on the walls where my family can enjoy them. I'm so taking advantage of this deal and getting some of my iPhone photos into my hands so I can enjoy them OFF a screen.

The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android. You can import photos to the app from Instagram and Facebook or upload from your phone's camera roll. The free photo offer is available for new and existing Shutterfly customers (yay!). Shipping fees do apply - choose economy shipping if you can wait 7-10 business days for delivery.

Adorable!! I have been resisting buying washi tape to this point. I have so many unused craft supplies. But my will is broken tonight. Do you think it would stick well to wood? I have a super ugly wooden frame I've been meaning to decorate...

I would just glue down the ends with maybe Mod Podge. Washi tape is very like masking tape, it stuck easily to this but after awhile it may peel up if it's not enclosed in glass. A glossy Mod Podge might be fun!